The rubber washer is only to be used with VPI's screw down reflex clamps. The rubber washer provides inner record label support while the reflex clamp's outer perimeter applies pressure on the record's outer label to create a bowing action, thus coupling the record to the platter. The washer goes directly under the record and on top of the platter and/or any record mat utilized. You do not use the rubber washer with a record weight (HRX weight etc)

Record mats can be used with either a reflex clamps and/or with a record weight and periphery ring. Just like your LP12 which recommends the use of a felt mat, each manufacture will have a preference as to use a mat or not. VPI's general position is that their aluminum platters sound best without a mat, but other find the use of a mat beneficial on VPI tables. IMHO, mats are user preference.

I just finished a listening session where, after an hour’s warm up, I played a badly warped record.

First on the Levinson with HRX weight and ring. No mat. No rubber. No screw down.

Then on the Levinson with no ring or weight, but with the flimsy felt mat.

Then on the LP12 in its normal configuration... no ring, no weight, no clamp, just the stock felt mat.

The other differences are that the Levinson sports an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze played through an Audio Research PH5, while the Linn sports a Lyra Kleos played through a Conrad Johnson TEA2MAX.

This album (its an old Kenny Burrell album that’s well recorded) has a warp that is bad enough to cause problems in the lead in groove.

Although I appreciated the warp control in the lead in groove, to my ears on the Levinson the plain felt mat was better than the ringed weighted bare platter. Better sound stage. More space between instruments. Clearer details.

I’d pretty much decided that I liked the felt mat best before the HRX ring and weight arrived.

I’ll play with these items for a week or so and then decide what I really think.

My washer measures 3 cm in diameter and 2 mm thick. My experience with it makes me think it would work better if it were 1 to 1.5 mm thick. This would have less effect on a/s as well. Anyone have a source to try? Would you use buna for material?Thanks

Mr_Putty wrote:My washer measures 3 cm in diameter and 2 mm thick. My experience with it makes me think it would work better if it were 1 to 1.5 mm thick. This would have less effect on a/s as well. Anyone have a source to try? Would you use buna for material?Thanks

You can purchase different diameter and thickness rubber washers from Home Depot etc. I have a large collection of different size, materials etc. Personally, I did not hear a difference between different washer materials including the Herbie Audio washer. However, the thickness does impact on the reflex clamp’s ability to perform its intended function to properly couple the album to the platter.

Not sure how the washer size can affect a/s unless you are applying too much pressure, therefore, causing a bowing affect which results in the album no longer being level.

Mr_Putty wrote:My washer measures 3 cm in diameter and 2 mm thick. My experience with it makes me think it would work better if it were 1 to 1.5 mm thick. This would have less effect on a/s as well. Anyone have a source to try? Would you use buna for material?Thanks

You can purchase different diameter and thickness rubber washers from Home Depot etc. I have a large collection of different size, materials etc. Personally, I did not hear a difference between different washer materials including the Herbie Audio washer. However, the thickness does impact on the reflex clamp’s ability to perform its intended function to properly couple the album to the platter.

Not sure how the washer size can affect a/s unless you are applying too much pressure, therefore, causing a bowing affect which results in the album no longer being level.

Oh BRF, you are one of those "different washer materials make a HUGE difference" deniers ? For shame, for shame!

I purchased a new 1/4 by 1-1/4 inch fender washer from Home Depo. It fits perfectly. I sanded one side to remove any rough edges and then installed it with a SMALL amount of modelers clay on the bottom. The thickness is about half the thickness of my rubber washer and works great with the screw down clamp. I tried the clamp both with and without a rubber O-ring that fits just inside the outer diameter of the clamp. I prefer the sound with the O-ring without any mat. The O-ring touches the record when clamped.

Now I need a suggestion. I am trying a PS Audio NuWave Converter (listening only to the preamp). It’s broken in about a week and sounding quite good. It has lots of detail and channel separation, but I would prefer a deeper, more realistic sound stage with more sustain of the sound field, if that makes any sense. Sometimes it’s great and other times it seems “sterile” or too anylitical. Is there another preamp in the same price range that I should consider? I’m using a 2M Bronze on a Prime. I’ve tried several combinations of isolation platforms but I still struggle with low frequency groove noise. A few of my records don’t seem to have it but most do. I thought it might be cartridge resonance or the rubber isolation in the Prime feet, but I really don’t know. I just know if I could get rid of it, I would be much happier. Also, I think I would like the second pivot, but don’t see it listed on the VPI web site. I guess the usual dealers have them?Thanks for any suggestions. JTA

I’ve changed my mind on the use of a O-ring under my clamp. I now prefer no ring with minimal clamping pressure on a taped platter. I have also added more clay dampening in various places on the tonearm adjustment platform. No photo because it’s not pretty, but pretty is not my goal. I still have some motor noise, but less than before, so headed the right direction. Tonality is improved as is openness and dynamics.

The platter tape expierments got me thinking. And testing again. This is the cheapest tweak I know of yet. See three photos. You will see three (of many) possible combinations of o-ring placement. I had good results with one setup shown under my Prime clamp. The ring was one 2 mm cross-section nitrile from HarborFreight. Make some tests and post what you find/prefer. I consider this a variation of the penny/coin tests mentioned. They are one part of an expierment. Can you guess what else is in it?